HAYSTACK COMMENTARY
march 2025 |
Everything written by Spiritual Warfare 2025 unless otherwise noted. Some content may not be endorsed by this site, but is there for information only.
ED NOTE=Spiritual Warfare 2025 |
cultural Apologetics |
“The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and in him there is no falsehood.” -John 7:18
March 20, 2025:
Christianity Was “Borderline Illegal” in Silicon Valley. Now It’s the New Religion
We are here to listen in on a conversation between Dr. Francis S. Collins, the former director of the National Institutes of Health and leader of the Human Genome Project, and Garry Tan, the president and CEO of Silicon Valley’s influential start-up incubator Y Combinator, which has hatched thousands of tech companies with a combined valuation of more than $600 billion. The event is called Code & Cosmos, and its underlying thesis is that the fields of science and technology, once considered diametrically opposed to religion and spirituality, might converge with the teachings of the Bible. In other words, business networking for the spiritually curious. “What is the real basis of morality?” Collins asks the crowd. “Why am I here? What happens after I die?” Collins, a thin, owlish man, gazes solemnly at the crowd, which already seems to have a sense of where this is going. “Science,” he says, “can’t really give you an answer.” But there is another answer to these questions, and it has to do with one Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom Collins encountered as a 20-something medical student grappling with the limits of atheism. Ever since, he said, “I’ve never really hit a situation where what I know as a rigorous scientist and what I believe as a Christ-centered Christian are in conflict.”
(Vanity Fair 3/20/25) READ MORE>>>>>
We are here to listen in on a conversation between Dr. Francis S. Collins, the former director of the National Institutes of Health and leader of the Human Genome Project, and Garry Tan, the president and CEO of Silicon Valley’s influential start-up incubator Y Combinator, which has hatched thousands of tech companies with a combined valuation of more than $600 billion. The event is called Code & Cosmos, and its underlying thesis is that the fields of science and technology, once considered diametrically opposed to religion and spirituality, might converge with the teachings of the Bible. In other words, business networking for the spiritually curious. “What is the real basis of morality?” Collins asks the crowd. “Why am I here? What happens after I die?” Collins, a thin, owlish man, gazes solemnly at the crowd, which already seems to have a sense of where this is going. “Science,” he says, “can’t really give you an answer.” But there is another answer to these questions, and it has to do with one Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom Collins encountered as a 20-something medical student grappling with the limits of atheism. Ever since, he said, “I’ve never really hit a situation where what I know as a rigorous scientist and what I believe as a Christ-centered Christian are in conflict.”
(Vanity Fair 3/20/25) READ MORE>>>>>
March 17, 2025:
US evangelical groups urge Trump to spare HIV/Aids program from aid cuts
Christian evangelical organizations instrumental in creating the US program that has saved millions of lives from HIV/Aids are pressing the Trump administration to rescue the scheme from crushing cuts to foreign assistance. The state department has said that the two-decade-old President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), which is estimated to have prevented 25m early deaths, is exempt from the cancellation of most US overseas aid. But the program is heavily reliant on logistical support from the US Agency for International Development (USAid), which has seen most of its projects killed off.
(The Guardian 3/17/25) READ MORE>>>>>
ED NOTE: If they were so concerned they should not have voted for and campaigned for Donald Trump.
Christian evangelical organizations instrumental in creating the US program that has saved millions of lives from HIV/Aids are pressing the Trump administration to rescue the scheme from crushing cuts to foreign assistance. The state department has said that the two-decade-old President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar), which is estimated to have prevented 25m early deaths, is exempt from the cancellation of most US overseas aid. But the program is heavily reliant on logistical support from the US Agency for International Development (USAid), which has seen most of its projects killed off.
(The Guardian 3/17/25) READ MORE>>>>>
ED NOTE: If they were so concerned they should not have voted for and campaigned for Donald Trump.
March 15, 2025:
Canadian evangelical body urges government to retain religious charities' status amid proposed policy changes
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has voiced strong concerns over government plans to remove the advancement of religion as a charitable purpose, emphasizing the significant contributions religious organizations make to Canadian society through social services, volunteerism, and community support.
In a submission on March 10, the EFC wrote to the federal Department of Finance regarding its consultation on the forthcoming Budget 2025. It also raised concerns about a proposal to amend the Income Tax Act to remove the privileged status of advancing religion as a charitable purpose.
(Christian Daily 3/15/25) READ MORE>>>>>
The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) has voiced strong concerns over government plans to remove the advancement of religion as a charitable purpose, emphasizing the significant contributions religious organizations make to Canadian society through social services, volunteerism, and community support.
In a submission on March 10, the EFC wrote to the federal Department of Finance regarding its consultation on the forthcoming Budget 2025. It also raised concerns about a proposal to amend the Income Tax Act to remove the privileged status of advancing religion as a charitable purpose.
(Christian Daily 3/15/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Latino evangelical congregations are preparing for immigration enforcement in their places of worship
Bishop Ebli De La Rosa says his motto right now is “to prepare for the worst and pray for the best.”
De La Rosa, who oversees Church of God of Prophecy congregations in nine southeastern states, says he has had to respond quickly to the Trump administration’s new orders, which have thrown out policies that restricted immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as schools and houses of worship. This move has imperiled 32 of the Latino evangelical denomination’s 70 pastors who are here without legal status and serve in some of the region’s most vulnerable communities, De La Rosa said. The bishop has instructed each congregation with endangered pastors to prepare three laypeople to take over, should their leader be deported. He has also told them to livestream every service, and to “keep recording even if something happens.”
(Milwaukee Indpendent 3/15/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Bishop Ebli De La Rosa says his motto right now is “to prepare for the worst and pray for the best.”
De La Rosa, who oversees Church of God of Prophecy congregations in nine southeastern states, says he has had to respond quickly to the Trump administration’s new orders, which have thrown out policies that restricted immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as schools and houses of worship. This move has imperiled 32 of the Latino evangelical denomination’s 70 pastors who are here without legal status and serve in some of the region’s most vulnerable communities, De La Rosa said. The bishop has instructed each congregation with endangered pastors to prepare three laypeople to take over, should their leader be deported. He has also told them to livestream every service, and to “keep recording even if something happens.”
(Milwaukee Indpendent 3/15/25) READ MORE>>>>>
March 14, 2025:
“Mainline” Protestantism Is No Longer Mainstream
The new Religious Landscape Survey findings about “Mainline Protestantism” herald a significant development in the history of Christianity: Liberal theology has decisively lost to conservative theology. Mainline Protestantism, which was once the largest branch of Christianity in the nation, has now declined, according to the RLS, representing just 11% of the population. Evangelical Protestantism, though, which the Mainliners once derided as an out-of-touch backwoods fringe group, now represent 23% of the population. There are now more than twice as many Evangelical Protestants than Mainline Protestants. There are more Baptists (12% of the population) than all Mainline Protestants put together (11%)!
(Cranach 3/14/25) READ MORE>>>>>
The new Religious Landscape Survey findings about “Mainline Protestantism” herald a significant development in the history of Christianity: Liberal theology has decisively lost to conservative theology. Mainline Protestantism, which was once the largest branch of Christianity in the nation, has now declined, according to the RLS, representing just 11% of the population. Evangelical Protestantism, though, which the Mainliners once derided as an out-of-touch backwoods fringe group, now represent 23% of the population. There are now more than twice as many Evangelical Protestants than Mainline Protestants. There are more Baptists (12% of the population) than all Mainline Protestants put together (11%)!
(Cranach 3/14/25) READ MORE>>>>>
March 13, 2025:
Is Gwen Stefani facing backlash for supporting Christianity and Tucker Carlson?
Gwen Stefani has sparked controversy among her left-leaning fans after sharing a video of Tucker Carlson’s interview with actor Jonathan Roumie, where they discussed Christianity. The Hollaback Girl singer, 55, who is Catholic, praised the interview on X, writing, “Wow Jonathan Roumie, you are a powerful inspirational human, what an enlightening intelligent beautiful interview thank you for being you gx.” The 90-minute discussion, published on Ash Wednesday, delved into faith and spirituality, with Roumie—best known for portraying Jesus in The Chosen—reflecting on his beliefs. (Express Tribune 3/13/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Gwen Stefani has sparked controversy among her left-leaning fans after sharing a video of Tucker Carlson’s interview with actor Jonathan Roumie, where they discussed Christianity. The Hollaback Girl singer, 55, who is Catholic, praised the interview on X, writing, “Wow Jonathan Roumie, you are a powerful inspirational human, what an enlightening intelligent beautiful interview thank you for being you gx.” The 90-minute discussion, published on Ash Wednesday, delved into faith and spirituality, with Roumie—best known for portraying Jesus in The Chosen—reflecting on his beliefs. (Express Tribune 3/13/25) READ MORE>>>>>
March 12, 2025:
Recognizing Christian Media’s Best at NRB 2025 Media Awards
The 2025 NRB Convention’s Media Awards Luncheon celebrated the dedication and impact of Christian media professionals worldwide. Hosted with a spirit of gratitude and recognition, the event honored individuals and organizations that have exemplified excellence in broadcasting, digital innovation, and ministry outreach.im Sanders, chairman of the NRB executive committee and principal & executive vice president at Ambassador Advertising Agency, opened the event by acknowledging the outstanding contributions of the awardees.
“I want to say thank you and congratulations to all those who are award recipients,” Sanders said. “It’s clear that your hard work on behalf of the Lord is being recognized here today.”
(Missions Box 3/12/25) READ MORE>>>>>
The 2025 NRB Convention’s Media Awards Luncheon celebrated the dedication and impact of Christian media professionals worldwide. Hosted with a spirit of gratitude and recognition, the event honored individuals and organizations that have exemplified excellence in broadcasting, digital innovation, and ministry outreach.im Sanders, chairman of the NRB executive committee and principal & executive vice president at Ambassador Advertising Agency, opened the event by acknowledging the outstanding contributions of the awardees.
“I want to say thank you and congratulations to all those who are award recipients,” Sanders said. “It’s clear that your hard work on behalf of the Lord is being recognized here today.”
(Missions Box 3/12/25) READ MORE>>>>>
March 10, 2025:
Everything You Need to Know About T.D. Jakes
T.D. Jakes has built a financial empire that extends beyond his church. As of some recent estimates, his net worth is believed to be between $20 million and $30 million. His wealth comes from various sources, including his pastoral salary, book sales, movie production, and speaking engagements. Jakes has authored numerous bestselling books, such as Woman, Thou Art Loosed! and Destiny: Step into Your Purpose, which have sold millions of copies worldwide. (Church Leaders 3/10/25) READ MORE>>>>>
T.D. Jakes has built a financial empire that extends beyond his church. As of some recent estimates, his net worth is believed to be between $20 million and $30 million. His wealth comes from various sources, including his pastoral salary, book sales, movie production, and speaking engagements. Jakes has authored numerous bestselling books, such as Woman, Thou Art Loosed! and Destiny: Step into Your Purpose, which have sold millions of copies worldwide. (Church Leaders 3/10/25) READ MORE>>>>>
March 9, 2025:
Secretive Evangelical D.C. Influence Project Appears to Be Running a Group House for Right-Wing Lawmakers
For a project explicitly designed to influence Congress, Steve Berger’s operation has left a scant paper trail. The archconservative evangelical pastor, who started a D.C. nonprofit a few years ago to shape national policy, does not file lobbying reports. His group does not show up in campaign finance records. There is a simple way to glimpse his effort’s expanding reach in Washington, however: Pay attention to who is walking out the front door of his Capitol Hill townhouse. New evidence suggests Berger may be running what amounts to a group house for conservative lawmakers, with multiple members of Congress living with him at his organization’s headquarters.
(Informed Comment 3/9/25) READ MORE>>>>>
For a project explicitly designed to influence Congress, Steve Berger’s operation has left a scant paper trail. The archconservative evangelical pastor, who started a D.C. nonprofit a few years ago to shape national policy, does not file lobbying reports. His group does not show up in campaign finance records. There is a simple way to glimpse his effort’s expanding reach in Washington, however: Pay attention to who is walking out the front door of his Capitol Hill townhouse. New evidence suggests Berger may be running what amounts to a group house for conservative lawmakers, with multiple members of Congress living with him at his organization’s headquarters.
(Informed Comment 3/9/25) READ MORE>>>>>
March 3, 2025:
Christianity's prevalence in Tennessee has shrunk over time, a new study finds
Fewer Tennesseans identify as Christian, according to a new Pew study, and the number of people who don't identify with any religion is growing. Why it matters: The trend in Tennessee is in line with a nationwide shift.
What they're saying: "This is a broad-based social change," says Alan Cooperman, the director of religion research at the Pew Research Center. "We've had rising shares of people who don't identify with any religion — so-called 'nones' — and declining shares who identify as Christian, in all parts of the country, in all parts of the population, by ethnicity and race, among both men and women, and among people at all levels of the educational spectrum." (Axios Nashville 3/3/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Fewer Tennesseans identify as Christian, according to a new Pew study, and the number of people who don't identify with any religion is growing. Why it matters: The trend in Tennessee is in line with a nationwide shift.
What they're saying: "This is a broad-based social change," says Alan Cooperman, the director of religion research at the Pew Research Center. "We've had rising shares of people who don't identify with any religion — so-called 'nones' — and declining shares who identify as Christian, in all parts of the country, in all parts of the population, by ethnicity and race, among both men and women, and among people at all levels of the educational spectrum." (Axios Nashville 3/3/25) READ MORE>>>>>
“The theologian of glory calls evil good and good evil. The theologian of the cross calls a thing what it is.”
--Martin Luther; Heidelberg Disputation
--Martin Luther; Heidelberg Disputation
March 1, 2025:
‘Repentance is a beautiful way of living,’ says Elder Patrick Kearon to families facing pornography struggles
Healing can be “elusive” for those seeking freedom from addiction, Elder Patrick Kearon acknowledged during the Utah Coalition Against Pornography conference on Saturday. “When steps forward turn to slips back, sometimes time and time again wounds reopen, frustration grows and hope dims.”
(CDeseret News 3/1/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Healing can be “elusive” for those seeking freedom from addiction, Elder Patrick Kearon acknowledged during the Utah Coalition Against Pornography conference on Saturday. “When steps forward turn to slips back, sometimes time and time again wounds reopen, frustration grows and hope dims.”
(CDeseret News 3/1/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Should Christians adopt Saul Alinsky's zero-sum political tactics?
Saul Alinsky was a left-wing community organizer whose seminal 1971 book Rules for Radicals influenced the thinking of both Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican Tea Party strategists. In a world where political activism encroaches more and more on every area of life, it’s worth understanding why Alinsky’s outlook and tactics are incompatible with Christianity. Alinsky’s book is singularly focused on how to wrest power from the elites so that it can be given back to “the people.” Although Alinsky makes a point of not framing his advice as pro-communist, his framework leans heavily on Karl Marx. Like Marx, he believes that society is constituted by the “Haves” (those with resources), the “Have-Nots” (those without), and the “Have-a-Little, Want Mores — the middle class” (p. 19). (Christian Post 3/1/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Saul Alinsky was a left-wing community organizer whose seminal 1971 book Rules for Radicals influenced the thinking of both Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican Tea Party strategists. In a world where political activism encroaches more and more on every area of life, it’s worth understanding why Alinsky’s outlook and tactics are incompatible with Christianity. Alinsky’s book is singularly focused on how to wrest power from the elites so that it can be given back to “the people.” Although Alinsky makes a point of not framing his advice as pro-communist, his framework leans heavily on Karl Marx. Like Marx, he believes that society is constituted by the “Haves” (those with resources), the “Have-Nots” (those without), and the “Have-a-Little, Want Mores — the middle class” (p. 19). (Christian Post 3/1/25) READ MORE>>>>>
February 28, 2025:
Evangelical Coalition Calls on Trump to Support West Bank Annexation
Ahead of an anticipated announcement in the coming weeks from the Trump Administration regarding the potential Israeli annexation of the West Bank, a coalition of Christian evangelicals is calling on the president to honor what they refer to as “the Jewish people’s inalienable right to the Biblical Heartland of Israel.”
American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) held a press conference on Tuesday night at the annual National Christian Broadcasters Convention to announce their “Resolution on Judea and Samaria.” The resolution reflects the Zionist belief that the modern Israeli state is inextricably tied to the ancient, Biblical nation of Israel and, therefore, that God’s promise of the land to the Israeli people in ancient scriptures is still in effect.
(Good Faith Media 2/28/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Ahead of an anticipated announcement in the coming weeks from the Trump Administration regarding the potential Israeli annexation of the West Bank, a coalition of Christian evangelicals is calling on the president to honor what they refer to as “the Jewish people’s inalienable right to the Biblical Heartland of Israel.”
American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI) held a press conference on Tuesday night at the annual National Christian Broadcasters Convention to announce their “Resolution on Judea and Samaria.” The resolution reflects the Zionist belief that the modern Israeli state is inextricably tied to the ancient, Biblical nation of Israel and, therefore, that God’s promise of the land to the Israeli people in ancient scriptures is still in effect.
(Good Faith Media 2/28/25) READ MORE>>>>>
True repentance is concerned more with the transformation of the heart than mere
modification of external actions.
modification of external actions.
February 26, 2025:
Christianity’s decline in US slowing slightly according to new poll
A new Pew Research study suggests that fewer Americans identify as Christian, but the decline has stabilized. The study finds that 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christian, down from 78% in 2007, while 29% are religiously unaffiliated. A growing generational divide shows 80% of Americans over 74 identify as Christian, compared to just 46% of adults aged 18 to 24. The study finds that immigration has helped slow Christianity’s decline, with 58% of Americans born outside the country identifying as Christian.
(Straight Arrow News 2/26/25) READ MORE>>>>>
A new Pew Research study suggests that fewer Americans identify as Christian, but the decline has stabilized. The study finds that 62% of U.S. adults identify as Christian, down from 78% in 2007, while 29% are religiously unaffiliated. A growing generational divide shows 80% of Americans over 74 identify as Christian, compared to just 46% of adults aged 18 to 24. The study finds that immigration has helped slow Christianity’s decline, with 58% of Americans born outside the country identifying as Christian.
(Straight Arrow News 2/26/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Who Are Evangelicals?
There are about 78 million evangelicals in America, according to Pew Research Center’s massive new survey of the religious landscape released on Wednesday. Most are white, Republican, and say religion is very important to them. But not all. The study—considered the most comprehensive look at religion in the United States, with more than 36,000 people filling out a 116-question survey in all 50 states—shows significant evangelical variety. Evangelicals are diverse: racially, politically, economically, and even in terms of religious practice.
(Christian Post 2/26/25) READ MORE>>>>>
There are about 78 million evangelicals in America, according to Pew Research Center’s massive new survey of the religious landscape released on Wednesday. Most are white, Republican, and say religion is very important to them. But not all. The study—considered the most comprehensive look at religion in the United States, with more than 36,000 people filling out a 116-question survey in all 50 states—shows significant evangelical variety. Evangelicals are diverse: racially, politically, economically, and even in terms of religious practice.
(Christian Post 2/26/25) READ MORE>>>>>
February 24, 2025:
Evangelical groups break ground, seek to raise $50M for new worship center in Qatar
The World Evangelical Alliance has joined the Evangelical Churches Alliance in Qatar in a ceremony held on Jan. 24 to break ground for a planned worship center for Evangelical Christians near the capital of the Middle Eastern country. The US $50 million project that will provide space for up to 10,000 worshippers simultaneously is to be built on land leased free of charge from the government. Yet, the small alliance made up primarily of foreign workers seeks support from the WEA and international partners to overcome the challenge of raising the necessary funding to construct the center within the required 5-year period ending in 2028. A small peninsular Arab country, most of Qatar’s population of 2.7 million is made up of expatriates (88%). Around 15% of the population identify as Christians, representing primarily a diverse mix of Asian, African, European and North and South American foreign workers. (Christian Post 2/24/25) READ MORE>>>>>
The World Evangelical Alliance has joined the Evangelical Churches Alliance in Qatar in a ceremony held on Jan. 24 to break ground for a planned worship center for Evangelical Christians near the capital of the Middle Eastern country. The US $50 million project that will provide space for up to 10,000 worshippers simultaneously is to be built on land leased free of charge from the government. Yet, the small alliance made up primarily of foreign workers seeks support from the WEA and international partners to overcome the challenge of raising the necessary funding to construct the center within the required 5-year period ending in 2028. A small peninsular Arab country, most of Qatar’s population of 2.7 million is made up of expatriates (88%). Around 15% of the population identify as Christians, representing primarily a diverse mix of Asian, African, European and North and South American foreign workers. (Christian Post 2/24/25) READ MORE>>>>>
February 23, 2025:
The most miserable people on the planet are born-again people who do this
When was the last time you found yourself entangled in a particular sin? No matter how hard you tried, you could not seem to get untangled from it. Well, I have some good news to share with you. There is a path to freedom but first let's consider the deadly stranglehold produced by deliberate sin. The Apostle Peter wrote, “A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him” (2 Peter 2:19). You can either get dragged around by your sinful choices or be led by the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:16-18). Which of those two options best describes your spiritual life over the past several months? God's Word declares: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:13-15).
(Christian Post 2/24/25) READ MORE>>>>>
When was the last time you found yourself entangled in a particular sin? No matter how hard you tried, you could not seem to get untangled from it. Well, I have some good news to share with you. There is a path to freedom but first let's consider the deadly stranglehold produced by deliberate sin. The Apostle Peter wrote, “A man is a slave to whatever has mastered him” (2 Peter 2:19). You can either get dragged around by your sinful choices or be led by the Holy Spirit (see Galatians 5:16-18). Which of those two options best describes your spiritual life over the past several months? God's Word declares: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death” (James 1:13-15).
(Christian Post 2/24/25) READ MORE>>>>>
A Jewish atheist calls out evangelicals for undermining democracy — and Christianity
Who is Jonathan Rauch, a gay Jewish atheist, to write a book about how conservative American Christians are failing themselves and democracy? “With that background, it’s certainly the most presumptuous thing I’ve ever done,” Rauch, the author of “Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy,” told me. “I come to this in the spirit of both humility and chutzpah.” Rauch’s new book takes Protestants to task for a “politicized, partisan, confrontational, and divisive” version of faith that has helped make America “ungovernable.”
(Jewish Telegraphic Agency 2/23/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Who is Jonathan Rauch, a gay Jewish atheist, to write a book about how conservative American Christians are failing themselves and democracy? “With that background, it’s certainly the most presumptuous thing I’ve ever done,” Rauch, the author of “Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy,” told me. “I come to this in the spirit of both humility and chutzpah.” Rauch’s new book takes Protestants to task for a “politicized, partisan, confrontational, and divisive” version of faith that has helped make America “ungovernable.”
(Jewish Telegraphic Agency 2/23/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Quote Byte: February 21, 2025:
Kevin Halloran
How does God respond to the world rulers rebelling against him and his Christ? He doesn’t wring his hands in despair or think, What am I going to do! Verse 4 says bluntly, “He who sits in the heavens laughs” (emphasis added).
God laughs because he has set his King on the throne of the universe—and his rule isn’t challenged by term limits, opposing parties, or voter fraud. He’s the eternal King with “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18). Current turmoil doesn’t surprise him. Revelation teaches us that Christ is on his throne through the famines, wars, plagues, and revolutions of history. It was the same for the first two world wars and will be the same if a third breaks out. Christ owns the ends of the earth (v. 8) and will smash the disobedient nations to pieces with a rod of iron in judgment (v. 9).
Christian, don’t let raging nations or rebellious politicians suffocate your faith; they’ll one day be Jesus’s piñata as he ushers in his perfect reign on earth. Because he has a firm grasp on the steering wheel of history, we can hope in him beyond the headlines. And according to this psalm, today’s political leaders can too.
God laughs because he has set his King on the throne of the universe—and his rule isn’t challenged by term limits, opposing parties, or voter fraud. He’s the eternal King with “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18). Current turmoil doesn’t surprise him. Revelation teaches us that Christ is on his throne through the famines, wars, plagues, and revolutions of history. It was the same for the first two world wars and will be the same if a third breaks out. Christ owns the ends of the earth (v. 8) and will smash the disobedient nations to pieces with a rod of iron in judgment (v. 9).
Christian, don’t let raging nations or rebellious politicians suffocate your faith; they’ll one day be Jesus’s piñata as he ushers in his perfect reign on earth. Because he has a firm grasp on the steering wheel of history, we can hope in him beyond the headlines. And according to this psalm, today’s political leaders can too.
February 21, 2025:
Christian migrants among deportees from the U.S. to Islamist countries
Christian converts from Islam are among migrants from countries hostile to Christianity who have been deported from the United States – initially to Panama, where they are isolated before possible deportation to their home countries, according to The New York Times. The Feb. 18 article reported that at least 10 Christians from Iran were among more than 100 people put on a military plane last week for Panama, including migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and Uzbekistan – respectively ranked eighth, 10th, 15th and 25th on Open Doors’ World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian. Iran, where leaving Islam is punishable by death under sharia (Islamic law), is ranked ninth on the list.
(Christian Daily 2/21/25) READ MORE>>>>>
Christian converts from Islam are among migrants from countries hostile to Christianity who have been deported from the United States – initially to Panama, where they are isolated before possible deportation to their home countries, according to The New York Times. The Feb. 18 article reported that at least 10 Christians from Iran were among more than 100 people put on a military plane last week for Panama, including migrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and Uzbekistan – respectively ranked eighth, 10th, 15th and 25th on Open Doors’ World Watch List of the 50 countries where it is most dangerous to be a Christian. Iran, where leaving Islam is punishable by death under sharia (Islamic law), is ranked ninth on the list.
(Christian Daily 2/21/25) READ MORE>>>>>
February 20, 2025:
'Not just blood that they’re after': Expert says Christian Nationalists 'want a show'
President Donald Trump was able to be elected president a second time partly by mobilizing his base of Christian nationalists. This anti-Democratic group has an “us vs. them” mentality, believing that America is on the verge of an apocalypse and that they are being persecuted. In her new book, "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy," journalist Katherine Stewart investigates this voter base. Salon published an interview with her Tuesday. This subculture, Stewart argues, believes America should move past democracy. “They believe the U.S. is not founded on principles, but on a specific religious and cultural heritage,” she said. “They argue America is on the brink of an apocalypse, owing to the rise of equality and what they call ‘wokeness.’ They argue democracy, as a system, isn't sufficient to meet the ‘challenges’ of feminism and equality. They believe the democratic rules no longer apply, because we're facing this absolute apocalypse of equality. They want an authoritarian leader who puts himself above the law, who's going to seize the reins of power and scrap the rule of law in favor of the iron fist.”
(AlterNet 2/20/25) READ MORE>>>>>
President Donald Trump was able to be elected president a second time partly by mobilizing his base of Christian nationalists. This anti-Democratic group has an “us vs. them” mentality, believing that America is on the verge of an apocalypse and that they are being persecuted. In her new book, "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy," journalist Katherine Stewart investigates this voter base. Salon published an interview with her Tuesday. This subculture, Stewart argues, believes America should move past democracy. “They believe the U.S. is not founded on principles, but on a specific religious and cultural heritage,” she said. “They argue America is on the brink of an apocalypse, owing to the rise of equality and what they call ‘wokeness.’ They argue democracy, as a system, isn't sufficient to meet the ‘challenges’ of feminism and equality. They believe the democratic rules no longer apply, because we're facing this absolute apocalypse of equality. They want an authoritarian leader who puts himself above the law, who's going to seize the reins of power and scrap the rule of law in favor of the iron fist.”
(AlterNet 2/20/25) READ MORE>>>>>
“Nobody today seems to think that God is dangerous. And that is itself a dangerous oversight.” --Michael Horton